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2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)

Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)

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1500 Highway 36 West Roseville, MN 55113-4266

T: (651) 582-8200 TTY: (651) 582-8201

http://education.state.mn.us

Authorization Letter Authorized Users: District Testing Personnel Work Authorized: Standards-Based Accountability Assessments:

Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)

Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)

This letter contains the terms and conditions under which the State of Minnesota Department of Education is authorizing testing personnel as defined in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments to administer the state-designated Minnesota Standards-Based Accountability Assessments. By administering online assessments or accepting delivery and opening the testing materials for distribution, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter.

You are authorized to administer the 2014–2015 Minnesota Standards-Based Accountability Assessments only in strict accordance with the Test Monitor and Student Directions accompanying the tests and in compliance with security requirements outlined in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments.

The State of Minnesota is and remains the owner of all intellectual property and copyrights in this work at all times. Permission to administer the test is granted without fee. Reproduction of these tests is prohibited without the express written permission of the commissioner of the department. Unauthorized reproduction of these tests is a violation of the Federal Copyright Act and may expose you to substantial liability. Under the Federal Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Subsections 504 and 505, the State may recover the actual damages caused by a violation, or statutory damages ranging from $500 to $100,000 per violation, as well as the State’s attorney fees and other costs. Section 506 of the Act provides that certain copyright violations are criminal offenses, punishable by fines and imprisonment.

These tests are nonpublic examination data and nonpublic security information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Sections 13.34 and 13.37 (1994). The Data Practices Act provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Act.

The permission granted for this limited use is given to testing personnel alone, on a non-exclusive basis, and testing personnel may not transfer this right to any other person or entity.

This letter describes the scope of authorization to use the above-described tests. By administering online assessments and accepting delivery and opening the testing materials for distribution, you agree to be bound by all the terms and conditions set forth in this letter including the Test Monitor and Student Directions, the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. Section 101-810, Minnesota Data Practices Act, and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.

State of Minnesota Department of Education Date:January 2015

http://education.state.mn.us/

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Table of Contents Contact Information..................................................................................................................

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1 Important Dates for 2014–2015 Minnesota Standards-Based Accountability Assessments 2 Important Dates for 2014–2015 English Language Proficiency Assessments 5 Important Dates for 2014–2015 Career and College Assessments 6

Overview 8 Service Provider 8 Organization of This Manual 8 Description of the Standards-Based Accountability Assessments 9

Reading and Mathematics MCA 9 Science MCA 10 Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) 10

General Information for 2014–2015 11 Training Testing Personnel 11 Security.................................................................................................................................

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11 Cell Phone Policy 12 Active Monitoring 12 Test Materials Security Requirements 13 Student Demographic Information Verification 13 Violations of Test Security 13

Security Forms 14 Test Administration Report 14 Test Security Notification Form 14 Completing Security Forms During Test Administration 15

Pearson Systems 15 PearsonAccess 15 Training Center 15 TestNav ............................................................................................................................

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16 Perspective 16

Student Resources 16 Item Samplers 16 Online Calculators 17 Online Student Tutorial 17

Technical and Customer Support 17

MCA Test Administration 18 Preparing for Test Administration 18

Technology Preparation 18 Scheduling ........................................................................................................................

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Verifying Student Information 19

Page iv 2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual

Student Login Information................................................................................................. .................................................................................

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19 Test Monitor and Student Directions 20 Allowable Materials 20 Accessibility Panel Tools 21 Accommodations 22

Text-to-Speech 22 Script 23

Test Administration 23 Test Session Setup 23 Administering Tests 24

Monitoring Testing 26 Exiting the Test Session 28 Resuming Testing 28 Started Tests and Moving in the Same District 29 Started Tests and Moving to a New District ......................................................................

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29 Submitting the Test 30 Marking a Test Complete 30

Invalidations 31

MCA Test Administration with Paper Accommodated Test Materials 32 Tracking and Receiving Accommodated Test Materials 32

Ordering Additional Accommodated Test Materials 34 Test Administration with Paper Accommodated Test Materials 34

Test Monitor and Student Directions for Paper Accommodations for MCA 35 Test Administration 35 Accommodation Codes 35

Invalidations .........................................................................................................................

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36 Entering Student Responses from Accommodated Test Materials into a Data Entry Form in TestNav 37

Data Entry Test Session Setup 38 Exiting and Resuming the Data Entry Test Session 39

MTAS 40 Tracking and Receiving MTAS Test Materials 40

Ordering Additional MTAS Test Materials 41 Preparing MTAS Test Materials 41

Distributing MTAS Test Materials 42 MTAS Test Administration and Score Entry..........................................................................

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42 Test Administration 42 Managing Teacher Assignments 43 Entering Learner Characteristic Inventory (LCI) into the MTAS Score Entry Tab in PearsonAccess 44 Entering Student Score Data into the MTAS Score Entry Tab in PearsonAccess 45 Unsubmitting a Test in PearsonAccess 47 Score Entry Progress: Test Status 47

2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual Page v

Invalidations.......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................

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48 Status Reports 49

Collecting and Returning Secure Test Materials 50 Results Information 52

Results in PearsonAccess 52 Teacher Reports 52 Posttest Editing in Test WES 53 District and School Electronic Data Files 53 Final Reports 53 Late Entry of Student Responses or Scores 53 Rescore Requests 54

Suggestions for Program Improvements 55 Appendix A: Accessibility Panel Tools 56

Overview 56 Text To Speech (Mathematics and Science Only) 56 Zoom.................................................................................................................................

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58 Contrast 58 Line Highlighter 59

Appendix B: Manual Registration 60 Test Session Setup 60

Page vi 2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual

Contact Information

Contact Information Statewide Testing Division 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113 Email: [email protected] Fax: 651-582-8874

Area Code Contact Telephone Number Email Address

612 Jennifer Burton 651-582-8622 [email protected]

651, 763, 952 Tracy Cerda 651-582-8692 [email protected]

507, 320 Lisa Grasdalen 651-582-8485 [email protected]

218 Julie Nielsen-Fuhrmann 651-582-8837 [email protected]

Additional Resource: Linda Sams, Manager, 651-582-8431

Pearson 888-817-8659 [email protected]

Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual Page 1

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Important Dates 2014–2015

Important Dates for 2014–2015 Minnesota Standards-Based Accountability Assessments1

Assessment MCA MTAS MCA Respon-

sible Party

Subject and Grades Reading (3–8, 10) Math (3–8, 11)

Reading (3–8, 10) Math (3–8, 11)

Science (5, 8, HS)

Science (5, 8, HS)

DAC Complete Pretest Editing in Test W ES Dec 15–May 72,3 Dec 15–May 147,8

DAC Confirm Site Readiness in Test W ES Dec 15–Mar 9

DAC

Pretest task deadlines:

Precode data used for initial test materials shipment

Test Administration Information (formerly Supplemental Information)

Jan 234

DAC Download manuals and other resources Jan 26

DAC Receive accommodated and MTAS test materials Feb 24 or Mar 3

DAC

Order additional accommodated and MTAS test materials in PearsonAccess5

Feb 24–May 7 Feb 24–May 14

1 Alternate Assessment Waiver, Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and Multiple Measurement Ratings (MMR) data release dates are still to be determined and will be communicated by the MDE Division of Student Support. 3 Pretest Editing continues for online assessments until the day before the last day of the testing windo w so that student enrollment and eligibility information continues to be updated in Pearson’s systems. If accommodations are changed or entered during this time, accommodated test materials must be ordered through additional orders. 3 In order for students to be loaded in PearsonAccess for online testing or data entry, any MARSS enrollment updates must be submitted at least three business days in advance. Once MARSS is submitted to MDE, that data is gathered overnight and is visible in Test WES for Pretest Editing and Precode Student Eligibility. Any changes made in Pretest Editing or Precode Student Eligibility will be reflected in PearsonAccess in two business days. 4 Initial test materials quantities of accommodated paper test materials are produced from this precode data. MARSS updates must be submitted by January 22 to be included in this precode file; this date may be earlier if you use a student information service provider. Check with your provider for dates. 5 Additional test materials can be ordered until noon on the day before the end of the testing window so that test materials will arrive in time for test administration.

Page 2 2014–2015 MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual




sible Party


Reading (3–8, 10) Math (3–8, 11)

Science (5, 8, HS)

Science (5, 8, HS)

DAC Data entry available for LCI data6 N/A Mar 2 N/A

TESTING DATES (including make-ups)7

Online test administration and data entry: Mar 9–May 8

Online test administration and

data entry: Mar 9–May 15

DAC Ship secure nonscorable test materials by May 22

DAC and MARSS

Posttest Editing in Test WES May 26–Jun 12

MARSS Last day to update MARSS data for accountability8

Jun 10

DAC

Retrieve embargoed final math, reading, and science DSR and SSR files in Assessment Secure Reports

Jun 24

DAC

Retrieve embargoed final math, reading and science school and district summary results in Assessment Secure Reports

Jul 24

MDE

Media receives embargoed final assessment results for school and district9

Jul 27

MDE Public release of final assessment results in Data Center

Jul 28

6 Data entry opens one week prior to the MTAS test administration and data entry window ONLY to allow for earlier Learner Characteristics Inventory (LCI) data entry. No MTAS tests may be administered and no MTAS scores can be entered prior to the MTAS testing window. 7 Preliminary results will be available in On-Demand Reporting within 60 minutes following testing and data entry for MCA, including student responses entered from paper accommodated test materials. Preliminary results are not available for MTAS. 8 This date may be earlier if you use a student information service provider. Check with your provider for dates. 9 Media files will also be provided to districts through Assessment Secure Reports on the same date.





sible Party


Reading (3–8, 10) Math (3–8, 11)

Science (5, 8, HS)

Science (5, 8, HS)

DAC

Retrieve reports in PearsonAccess through Published Reports and Longitudinal Reporting10

Jul 29

DAC Student reports (including DVD) arrive in district

Aug 3

DAC Last day to request a rescore and to request a late score entry

Oct 26

10 Partial results may appear in Longitudinal Reporting prior to this date. Note that results on the vendor’s system are considered preliminary and final data is accessed at MDE.



Important Dates for 2014–2015 English Language Proficiency Assessments11

Assessment ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs Responsible

Party Subjects Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking

DAC Order test materials through MetriTech Nov 3–Dec 12

MDE Pull precode data for preprinted labels12 Dec 16

DAC Receive test materials Jan 14

DAC Order additional test materials through MetriTech Jan 16–Mar 6

TESTING DATES Feb 2–Mar 20

Make-up Dates Any day in the window after scheduled testing

DAC Ship test materials by Mar 24

DAC Retrieve early student-level results in Test WES May 26

DAC and MARSS Posttest Editing in Test WES May 26–Jun 12

DAC Retrieve embargoed final DSR and SSR files in Assessment Secure Reports

Jun 24

DAC Retrieve embargoed final school and district summary results in Assessment Secure Reports

Jul 24

MDE Public release of final assessment results in Data Center Jul 28

DAC Student reports arrive in district Aug 3

DAC Last day to request a rescore Oct 26

11 Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAO) data release dates are still to be determined and will be communicated by the MDE Division of Student Support. 12 This date may be earlier if you use a student information service provider. Check with your provider for dates.



Important Dates for 2014–2015 Career and College Assessments13

Assessment and Grade Explore (Gr 8) Plan (Gr 10) Compass (Grade 10)

Compass (Grade 11)

ACT Plus Writing

(Grade 11)

Respon-sible Party

Subjects English, Math,

Reading, Science

Writing Skills, Reading, Pre-Algebra, and

Algebra14


Algebra15

English, Math, Reading,

Science, Writing

DAC/SAC (Explore/

Plan) SAC

(Compass /ACT)

Order regular and accommodated test materials as applicable through vendor systems

Sep 15–Oct 1016 As needed16 As needed16

ACT-Approved Accommodations

Requests: Oct 6 – Jan 23 State-Allowed

Accommodated Materials:

Mar 30 – Apr 817

MDE Precode data used for initial test materials shipment Oct 2 Nightly begins

Dec 31 Nightly begins

Sep 11 Jan 23

SAC Receive test materials By designated need by date18

Within two weeks following accommodated

order

Within two weeks following accommodated

order

Nonsecure: Mar 16–20 Secure:

Apr 20–24

DAC/SAC (Explore/

Plan) SAC

(Compass /ACT)

Order additional test materials Oct 13–Nov 17 N/A N/A

Apr 28–Apr 29 (submit online make-up order

for standard time materials)

13 ACT provides a Checklist of Dates for each test with additional information and important dates. Please reference these documents on the ACT Testing: Minnesota website under the sections for each test. View the ACT Testing: Minnesota website. 14 Compass is optional for grade 10 students who are not yet academically ready for a career or college as determined by performance on the grade 10 Plan. 15 Compass is optional for eligible grade 11 students in 2014–2015 who are not yet academically ready for a career or college as determined by performance on the grade 8 Reading and Mathematics MCA and grade 10 Reading MCA or performance on the voluntary Plan offered by the state in 2013–2014. 16 Districts must order regular test materials for Explore and Plan only. Compass eligible students are provided in the nightly precode file. Accommodated materials are ordered directly from ACT for Explore, Plan, and Compass. 17 Districts do not order regular test materials for the ACT Plus Writing; ACT will automatically send materials based on student enrollment. ACT-Approved Accommodation test materials will be sent based on approved requests for accommodations. State-Allowed Accommodations test materials will be sent based on what the school orders. Students testing with State-Allowed Accommodations will not receive college reportable scores. 18 Need by date is determined by testing date which is collected during ordering window. ACT will ship materials approximately two weeks prior to test date.

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http://www.act.org/aap/minnesota/index.htmlhttp://www.act.org/aap/minnesota/index.html


Important Dates for 2014–2015 Career and College Assessments13

Assessment and Grade Explore (Gr 8) Plan (Gr 10) Compass (Grade 10)

Compass (Grade 11)

ACT Plus Writing

(Grade 11)

Respon-sible Party

Subjects English, Math,

Reading, Science


Algebra14


Algebra15

English, Math, Reading,

Science, Writing

TESTING DATES (includes make-ups) Nov 3–21 Jan 5–Jul 3119 Sep 15–Jul 3119 Initial: Apr 2820

Make-Up: May 12

SAC Ship test materials by

As soon as testing is

completed; no later than

December 5

N/A N/A Initial: Apr 29

Make-Up: May 1321,22

DAC Reports arrive in schools and/or district No later than

Dec 3123 N/A24 N/A24 No later than Aug 2425

19 Once open, grades 10 and 11 Compass are available all school year. 20 Administration of ACT-Approved Accommodations and State-Allowed Accommodations for ACT Plus Writing is allowed any time between April 28–May 12. 21 Pickups are scheduled for ACT Plus Writing materials by ACT. 22 May 22 is the deadline for ACT to receive all answer documents from schools. Late arriving answer documents will not be scored. 23 Explore and Plan results are shipped to a school two weeks after receipt of answer documents at ACT. District results are shipped two weeks after receipt of all the district’s school’s answer documents to ACT. 24 Compass results are available online immediately following testing. 25 ACT results for students are shipped 3–8 weeks following testing to the student, school, and student- selected colleges. The school and district results are delivered in August.

Page 7

Overview

Overview

Service Provider Pearson is the testing service provider for the following assessments:

Grades 3–8 and 10 Reading and Grades 3–8 Mathematics Optional Local Purpose Assessment (OLPA)

Standards-Based Accountability Assessments: Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA); Reading, Mathematics, and Science Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)

GRAD Retests: Reading, Mathematics, and Written Composition Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD)

For questions regarding online testing and TestNav, PearsonAccess, or Perspective, please call the Pearson Help Desk at 888-817-8659 or send an email to [email protected].

Organization of This Manual The first section of the manual provides descriptions of the Reading, Mathematics, and Science MCA and MTAS and information regarding training testing personnel, test security, PearsonAccess, and TestNav.

The middle section of the manual describes the administration of the online MCA, the administration of paper accommodated test materials for the MCA, and the administration of the MTAS.

The last section of the manual provides information about collecting and returning secure test materials and assessment results.

Administrative and security forms for the Standards-Based Accountability Assessments are not included in this manual but can be found in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. Certain forms for MTAS Test Administrators can be found in the MTAS Task Administration Manual.

When reviewing this manual, districts should also have access to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments and PearsonAccess User Guide, along with the quick start guides developed for the programs. These additional resources provide the detailed information referenced in this manual.

The Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments is available on the Manuals tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess. View the Manuals tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > Manuals).


http://www.pearsonaccess.com/mnmailto:[email protected]

Overview

User guides and quick guides are available on the User Guides and Technology tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess. View the User Guides and Technology tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > User Guides and Technology).

Item sampler quick guides are available on the General tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the Item Samplers page (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers (under Quick Links)).

Description of the Standards-Based Accountability Assessments The Reading, Mathematics, and Science MCA are available only in the online administration mode. Paper accommodated test materials are available for eligible students. More information about the Standard-Based Accountability Assessments can be found in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments.

Reading and Mathematics MCA

The grades 3–8 and 10 Reading MCAs are aligned to the 2010 Minnesota Academic Standards and are fixed-form tests. The Reading MCA contains multiple-choice items along with technology-enhanced items where students use the computer to demonstrate a sequence of actions or events, making connections between a cause and its effect, and choosing supporting details of a main idea.

Each passage begins with a title page. The title page has a box with the title of the passage. If there are two passage titles on the title page, the next set of items is associated with a text set, which means there will be two passages that go with the next set of questions.

The grades 3–8 and 11 Mathematics MCAs are aligned to the 2007 Minnesota Academic Standards. The Mathematics MCA contains multiple-choice items along with technology-enhanced items where students use the computer to select one or more points on a graphic, drag and drop a graphic from one location to another, enter an answer, or manipulate a graph.

The grades 3–8 Mathematics MCAs are adaptive tests. This means that the test adjusts to each student’s skills. Every time a student answers a question, her or his response helps to determine the next question the student must answer. This testing method provides a more precise measure of students’ skills and knowledge. Although each student answers different test questions, the Mathematics MCA assesses only the standards for that grade level. Students have access to an online calculator when allowed and online formula sheets are available for students in grades 5–8.

The grade 11 Mathematics MCA is a fixed-form test. Grade 11 students have access to an online calculator or a handheld calculator for the entire test as well as an online formula sheet.


http://www.pearsonaccess.com/mnhttp://www.pearsonaccess.com/mn

Overview

Science MCA

The grades 5, 8, and high school Science MCAs are aligned to the 2009 Minnesota Academic Standards. The Science MCA contains multiple-choice items along with technology-enhanced items where the students create a graph or data table, select a hot spot, or drag and drop images or words into designated response areas or enter an answer. The Science MCA also incorporates simulations. Simulations are scenarios that have one or more scenes that require students to manipulate variables and then view the results of that simulated situation.

Students in grades 9–12 are required to take the Science MCA once in high school.

The high school Science MCA covers the grades 9–12 Minnesota Academic Standards in Life Science (Strand 4) and the Nature of Science and Engineering (Strand 1).

Students in grades 9–12 who are enrolled in a life science/biology course or have received instruction on all Strand 4 and Strand 1 standards related to life science during the school year are expected to take the high school Science MCA.

Students who transfer to your district and have completed life science coursework in a previous district will not take the high school science assessment in your district. However, students who are re-taking their life science/biology course must take the Science MCA again, even if they took it previously.

Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS)

MTAS is a performance-based assessment in reading, mathematics, and science for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. It is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards that features substantial reductions in the complexity of the academic content standards. Participation in MTAS requires that the student meet the specific eligibility requirements found in the Eligibility Requirements for the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS).

MTAS consists of tasks that are administered in a one-on-one setting and are scored by the Test Administrator who uses task-specific scripts and a scoring rubric. MTAS administration materials available include Task Administration Manuals, Presentation Pages, and Response Option Cards that incorporate the use of pictures and symbols. The grades 3–8 and 10 Reading MTAS includes brief passages that are available in two formats and may be read aloud to students. The grades 3–8 and 11 Mathematics MTAS and grades 5, 8, and high school Science MTAS include object lists that provide guidance on the provision of objects for students who need this type of support. Each MTAS consists of 15 tasks.

The same grade-level considerations for the high school Science MCA apply in the determination of which high school students will take the high school Science MTAS. The Science MTAS should be administered when the high school student receives instruction in the life science standards. While some students with significant cognitive disabilities may not be enrolled in a course called Life Science or Biology, they should have access to the general education curriculum, which includes instruction in life science. The IEP team determines the most appropriate year for a student to take the high school Science MTAS.


General Information for 2014–2015

General Information for 2014–2015 Please refer to the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual for the testing windows and other important dates for the Standard-Based Accountability Assessments.

Training Testing Personnel The District Assessment Coordinator must ensure that all testing personnel, including Test Monitors and MTAS Test Administrators, are trained before they handle accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials. Emphasis should be given to the following:

All district and school staff must be aware of the security policies for handling accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials and online administration. MDE provides the Test Security Training for Districts and Schools and training resources that districts can use to train Test Monitors and other staff on test security. See the next section for more information about test security.

All district and school staff involved in statewide testing should understand and follow test administration procedures and schedules.

The MTAS Training for Test Administrators and accompanying materials are available on the MDE Training tab of the Resources page in PearsonAccess. View the MDE Training tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > MDE Training).

The Online Test Monitor Certification Course is strongly recommended each year for Test Monitors administering the MCAs. This course provides information on the steps involved in creating, starting, and monitoring an online test session in PearsonAccess and is available on the Pearson Training tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess. View the Pearson Training tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > Pearson Training).

The District Assessment Coordinator must annually document that staff have been trained, and each district will determine how this will be documented (e.g., sign-in sheets, certificates of completion). If there is a security breach, documentation of training will be requested by MDE.

Security All Minnesota assessments must be administered under standard testing conditions. Refer to the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information about ethical practices within the assessment process and roles and responsibilities for testing. The district must use the directions that are provided in the applicable Test Monitor and Student Directions, this MCA and MTAS Assessment Manual, the Test Security Training for Districts and Schools, and the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. In addition, districts may provide staff with information in the Online Test Monitor Certification Course. Districts must also keep documentation of completed Non-Disclosure Agreements for all personnel with access to secure test materials.

No unauthorized person should handle the accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials.


http://www.pearsonaccess.com/mnhttp://www.pearsonaccess.com/mnhttp://www.pearsonaccess.com/mnhttp://www.pearsonaccess.com/mn


District and school staff should not view test items except for staff who prepare for and administer the MTAS.

District and school staff involved in administering a statewide assessments or handling any secure test material must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Non-Disclosure Agreement is available in two formats, and either version is acceptable for district documentation. Documentation must be kept on record at the district for 12 months after the end of the academic school year in which testing took place. An individual who signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement early in the school year does not need to sign another one when testing begins. However, all staff who log in to PearsonAccess will be automatically prompted to complete the online Non-Disclosure Agreement one time each school year before being able to use the system.

An online Non-Disclosure Agreement must be read and accepted in order to access the secure PearsonAccess website. District Assessment Coordinators may request a list of staff members who have completed the online Non-Disclosure Agreement in PearsonAccess by contacting the Pearson Help Desk. District Assessment Coordinators will be emailed the list within two to three business days.

A paper Non-Disclosure Agreement is available in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments. It must be signed and sent to the District or School Assessment Coordinator before staff can access test materials or monitor online testing sessions.

Cell Phone Policy

Students may NOT use cell phones or any other electronic devices at any time during testing, including during breaks. District and School Assessment Coordinators must discuss any school-specific information (e.g., policies on how they will implement the no-cell-phone policy, what to do if students use cell phones) with Test Monitors prior to test administration.

Test Monitors and other staff in testing rooms may not use cell phones during test administration. Remind staff to turn off their cell phones before testing begins.

Active Monitoring

Test Monitors must actively monitor students throughout the entire test administration. Examples of Test Monitor activities that are unrelated to administration of the test and that are not allowed include lesson planning, grading papers, use of cell phone, or talking casually with other staff.

Test Monitors must walk around the testing room to carefully observe student behavior and ensure students are working independently and making progress in their tests. Walking around the test room discourages prohibited behavior and also makes Test Monitors available to answer questions and respond to unexpected situations.



Test Materials Security Requirements

A secure, locked location must be available for all District and School Assessment Coordinators, Test Monitors, and MTAS Test Administrators to store all secure accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials when the test materials are not being used. Do not leave secure test materials unattended before, during, or after testing. Secure test materials include regular print, large print, and braille test books, scripts, student login information, MTAS Task Administration Manuals, Presentation Pages, and Response Option Cards.

Upon receipt and after inventorying, District and School Assessment Coordinators must place all secure accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials in a secure, locked location until distribution to the Test Monitor at the time of testing or to MTAS Test Administrators to prepare for administration.

Student Demographic Information Verification

All students taking assessments must have a valid MARSS/SSID number. A student must be eligible to test and be known to the Test Monitor in order to test. Student demographic information must be submitted in MARSS to be loaded into PearsonAccess for students to log in to online assessments or for district staff to enter student responses from paper accommodated test materials.

For online testing, students must log in to TestNav using their first and last name as it appears in MARSS, their MARSS/SSID number, and the test code for the test session. For entering student responses for paper accommodations, district staff will enter the student’s MARSS/SSID number and the test code. The test code is generated after a test session is created in PearsonAccess.

Violations of Test Security

Districts must report any known violations of test security to MDE. MDE must accept reports of a violation of test security from anyone with knowledge of such an incident and must investigate any reported incidents of breaches in test security. See Chapter 3 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information.

The consequences of a violation of test security may include

the invalidation of test scores if a violation is found to justify serious questions about the integrity of the results of the test administration; and/or

other reasonable sanctions that are necessary to preserve the security and confidentiality of future tests and test administrations.



Security Forms

Test Administration Report

The Test Administration Report—located in Appendix A of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments—is used to record the occurrence of a variety of special circumstances, including, but not limited to, test misadministrations and reasons for invalidations. Districts must maintain records necessary for program audits or monitoring conducted by MDE, and to assist with questions from district staff and parents when student results are available.

The Test Administration Report must be kept on file at the district for 12 months after the end of the academic school year in which testing took place. If the report is completed by the School Assessment Coordinator; a copy should be forwarded to the District Assessment Coordinator. Districts do not return the Test Administration Report to Pearson or MDE.

The following are examples of misadministrations and irregularities:

A student engages in inappropriate behavior or action, including cheating, that results in a test being invalidated.

A student refuses to take an assessment, requiring the assessment to be invalidated.

A student is administered the incorrect assessment or accommodation.

A student uses a calculator during a non-calculator segment during the administration of a paper accommodated test book.

The following are examples of special circumstances:

The district uses a translator to translate test directions to an English learner. A student’s MCA responses are entered by staff into a Data Entry form in TestNav.

Test Security Notification Form

Districts must report any known violations of test security to MDE using the online Test Security Notification form in Test WES. The Test Security Notification must be submitted by the District Assessment Coordinator.

Security breaches include the following:

Viewing, copying, discussing, or sharing test content at any time

Leaving secure test materials in an unsecure location

Misplacing or losing secure test materials

Allowing prohibited materials during testing

Assisting students with responses.



When a security breach occurs, the School Assessment Coordinator should contact the District Assessment Coordinator. The District Assessment Coordinator must immediately contact (within 24 hours of the security breach) their MDE assessment contact. The Test Security Notification must be completed within 48 hours.

Completing Security Forms During Test Administration

On testing day, District Assessment Coordinators should be available to answer questions from School Assessment Coordinators and, if necessary, complete the Test Security Notification Form in the event that a security breach occurs.

School Assessment Coordinators should be available on testing day to answer questions from Test Monitors. The School Assessment Coordinator should make arrangements with the District Assessment Coordinator to ensure completion of either the Test Administration Report or the Test Security Notification form.

Pearson Systems

This section describes the components of the Pearson systems used for test administration. Documents referenced in this section are posted to the User Guides and Technology tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess, unless otherwise noted. View the User Guides and Technology tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > User Guides and Technology).

PearsonAccess

PearsonAccess is where district and school users log in to create and manage users, set up test sessions for online testing, enter student responses from paper accommodated test materials and scores for MTAS, order additional test materials, access results, and download reports. Districts are also able to download manuals and directions, access training resources, and access item samplers without logging in. For more information about PearsonAccess, view the PearsonAccess User Guide and the Online Testing Quick Guide.

Training Center

The Training Center allows district and school users to set up test sessions for training purposes and practice. It also provides an option for Test Monitors to administer item samplers to students so that students can practice logging in and exiting. The Training Center cannot be used to practice MTAS score entry. To access the Training Center, select the Teacher & Test Monitor tab and then select Sign in to Training Center. View the Teacher & Test Monitor tab (PearsonAccess > Teacher & Test Monitor).

The Training Center mirrors the test session management functionality in PearsonAccess but anything done in the Training Center will not affect actual test administrations in the PearsonAccess site. Signing into the Training Center requires a different user ID and password. For more information on accessing item samplers in the Training Center, refer to Accessing Online Item Samplers through the Training Center, available on the General tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the Item Samplers page (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers (under Quick Links).


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TestNav

Pearson delivers online tests to students using TestNav, a browser-based test delivery platform. TestNav does not need to be installed on each test-delivery computer or workstation; instead, a URL is used by students to access the online test or item sampler. District staff also have a URL to use for data entry. For more information, refer to the Online Testing Quick Guide, TestNav 7.5 Technology Guidelines, and the TestNav URL Information document.

Perspective

Perspective provides districts with educational and instructional resources for classroom use. Learning Locator codes are provided on On-Demand and Longitudinal Reports. These codes can be entered into Perspective to access resources aligned to student achievement levels. For more information, refer to the Perspective Quick Start Guide for Educators.

Student Resources Several student resources are available on PearsonAccess to help students prepare for the Standards-Based Accountability Assessments: item samplers, online calculators, and online student tutorials. Students must be given the opportunity to use the item samplers and practice using the online calculator before testing. Students must also be given the opportunity to review the online student tutorial prior to testing.

Item Samplers

Item samplers are available for the online MCA, MCA paper accommodations, and the MTAS. They are provided to help teachers and students become familiar with the format of the test and item types, and offer an opportunity to practice using the online tools, calculators, and accessibility panel. Item samplers contain fewer items than an actual full-length test. View the Item Samplers page in PearsonAccess (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers).

There are two ways to access the online item samplers:

From the Item Samplers page in PearsonAccess without logging in. See Accessing Online Item Samplers on PearsonAccess on the General tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the General tab (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers (under Quick Links)).

In conjunction with a practice test session set up through the Training Center. See Accessing Online Item Samplers through the Training Center on the General tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the General tab (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers (under Quick Links)).

The paper accommodated item samplers for MCA include 18- and 24-point large print item samplers and mathematics and science item sampler scripts. Braille item samplers are available upon request from Pearson through a form available on the General tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the General tab (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers > General).


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Reading, Mathematics, and Science MTAS item samplers are available. These item samplers are available on the MTAS tab on the Item Samplers page of PearsonAccess. View the MTAS tab (PearsonAccess > Item Samplers > Online Item Samplers).

When preparing students for testing, only the Training Center and the item samplers can be used. The actual MCA tests and PearsonAccess must not be used for student or Test Monitor practice. Using operational tests for preparation for testing is a breach of security and those tests will be invalidated.

Online Calculators

Stand-alone online calculators are also available on the Student Resources tab on the Resources page in PearsonAccess for student practice outside of the item samplers. View the Student Resources tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > Student Resources). The same version of the calculator is available in the MCA.

Online Student Tutorial

The online student tutorial for the Reading, Mathematics, and Science MCA is available on the Student Resources tab on the Resources page in PearsonAccess. View the Student Resources tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > Student Resources). The tutorial provides students with information on how to use online tools (e.g., highlighter, eliminate choice), use the accessibility panel, navigate through the test, and respond to the different item types.

Technical and Customer Support Pearson technical and customer support is available Monday through Friday for assistance with installation of software, test session management, online data entry, technical troubleshooting during testing, or questions regarding paper accommodated test materials and MTAS test materials and shipping procedures. Support contact information is as follows:

Phone support: 888-817-8659

Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Email support: [email protected]


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Online Administration: Reading, Mathematics, and Science MCA

MCA Test Administration This section provides information about test administration for the MCAs:

Mathematics MCA

Reading MCA

Science MCA

Refer to the Important Dates sheets in the front of this manual for important test administration dates.

Preparing for Test Administration

Technology Preparation

Your Technology Coordinator should prepare the computer labs or other computers by ensuring that the computers meet the minimum requirements for testing and by setting up proctor caching servers and caching test content. Work with your Technology Coordinator to ensure that all steps in the Online Testing Infrastructure Readiness Checklist have been completed, including:

SystemCheck to verify student work stations and system capacity are adequate.

Proctor Caching, to accelerate the delivery of test content to students and reduce the amount of bandwidth required for online testing. Proctor caching is highly recommended and required for the best online testing experience. After the test session is created, it can be proctor cached starting one week before the testing window opens (and throughout the testing window prior to testing).

NOTE: Proctor caching setup can be completed prior to creating the test session but caching the test content can only be done after the test session has been created. For detailed information, refer to the Proctor Caching information on the User Guides and Technology tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess. View the User Guides and Technology tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > User Guides and Technology).

Infrastructure trial to simulate testing day network utilization.

In addition, District/School Assessment Coordinators should schedule computer labs for all testing sessions, as needed, and ensure that Test Monitors are able to log in to PearsonAccess (http://www.pearsonaccess.com/mn) and have access to the self-registration TestNav URL (http://selfregister.testnav.com).

For more information on PearsonAccess, refer to the PearsonAccess User Guide. For more information on TestNav, refer to the TestNav 7.5 Technology Guidelines.


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Scheduling

The MCAs are divided into sections in order to maintain test security and help schedule administrations. For Reading and Mathematics MCA, students may complete as many sections as possible during a testing session, but students are not required to complete the same number of sections as other students. The Science MCA has only two sections; students may take one or both sections in a testing session. When testing over multiple days, students must end testing after completing a section. Specific instructions for exiting each test are included in Exiting the Test section.

Scheduling should be based on the time scheduled for testing and not on the number of sections. For example, while one student may be able to complete three sections/passages for the Reading MCA, another student may only complete two in the time scheduled. As long as students finish the section they are working on, students can exit the test at different points. Please see Scheduling Requirements and Estimated Test Administration Times in the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information on scheduling test administrations.

Verifying Student Information

For online testing, District Assessment Coordinators should verify that all students are loaded into PearsonAccess. The names of all eligible students will be loaded into PearsonAccess by nightly files through the end of the testing windows.

Students cannot be manually added into PearsonAccess. Districts must update MARSS to add students for testing. Any student demographic information, including grade, must be updated in MARSS and cannot be changed in PearsonAccess.

Student Login Information

Districts will need to prepare the student login information that students need to log in to their tests. Student will need their first and last names as shown in MARSS, their MARSS/SSID numbers, and the test session test code. This information may come from a PearsonAccess registration file or other district data (e.g. MARSS data, Sent Precode data in Test Wes). The test code is generated after a test session is created in PearsonAccess.

NOTE: The student's first and last names must be entered exactly as they appear in MARSS and PearsonAccess. If the names do not match, an error message will appear: "No. First Name and Last Name and SSID not a valid combination." If the names appear to match and the student receives an error message, check for extra spaces before or after the first and last names.

Templates are available to create one-page student login information documents to provide to students. For details, see the Instructions for Creating Student Login Information on the Directions tab on the Resources page of PearsonAccess. View the Directions tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > Directions). Districts may also design their own process for preparing student login information.

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Test Monitor and Student Directions

The Test Monitor and Student Directions for MCA have two components: the online presentation for students (Student Directions for MCA), and instructions for Test Monitors (Test Monitor Directions for MCA). For students using paper accommodated test materials (e.g., large print and Braille), different Test Monitor and Student Directions are used.

The Student Directions for MCA is an online presentation with audio that must be proj ected so all students can view it before they begin the test. Test Monitors will need the following:

A computer with access to the Internet

A method for projecting the Student Directions for MCA

Speakers (if the audio in the presentation will be played aloud)

The Test Monitor will project in the Student Directions for MCA before students begin the test. Test Monitors will also reference the Test Monitor Directions for MCA, which are posted online and include general directions for Test Monitors about test administration. When testing over multiple days, districts can determine whether they want to present the Student Directions for MCA again.

Allowable Materials

The following materials are provided to students for test administration:

Student login information

Scratch paper (students must write their name on it)

A pencil or pen

Headphones (mathematics and science only)

Hard-copy formula sheet (mathematics only, if provided); located on the Student Resources page of PearsonAccess

Handheld calculators (grade 11 mathematics only)

Handheld calculator requirements vary by test.

Handheld calculators are not allowed for the Science MCA.

Handheld calculators are not allowed for the grades 3–8 Mathematics MCA. Students who require a handheld calculator as an accommodation must use a paper accommodated test book. See Preparing and Administering Accommodated Test Materials for Online Tests for more information.

Handheld calculators are allowed for the grade 11 Mathematics MCA. A graphing calculator must either: have its memory cleared both before and after each testing session, or have a feature that temporarily disables all flash applications and calculator files (e.g., the TI-NSpire has “Press to Test” mode). Refer to Chapter 8 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessments for more information.



Accessibility Panel Tools

The Accessibility Panel tools within the test may be adjusted by students to modify the online testing experience for reading, mathematics, and science (see Table 1). Standard text-to-speech is available in the Accessibility Panel for all students taking Mathematics and Science MCA. However, accommodated text-to-speech is available for mathematics and science as an accommodation only. Please see more information about accommodated text-to-speech in the next section.

Detailed information about how the Accessibility Panel works is found in Appendix A in the back of this manual.

Table 1: TestNav Accessibility Panel Tools

Accessibility Panel Tools Options Description

All students have the ability to zoom in or out for each item. The default is 100% and students can zoom up to 300%. Zoom 100 percent up to 300 percent NOTE: The default print size is 12 pt for all tests.

Contrast

None (default is white) High Contrast Reverse Contrast Blue Yellow

This tool is a contrast or color overlay applied to a student’s test that is designed to help students who experience difficulties that are associated with the contrast or lighting of the screen.

The default, None, uses a white background.

Line Highlighter None (default is yellow)

Allows students to move the line highlighter up and down to focus on a sentence.

Text-to-Speech

Standard Text-to-Speech (default)

Accommodated Text-to-Speech (MC)

Standard Text-to-Speech: Text-to-speech is student-initiated and reads questions for all students who choose to use it during testing for all mathematics and science tests. Text-to-speech is computer-generated audio and students will select what they want read by selecting the preferred method in the accessibility panel (e.g., entire item, selected text). The availability of text-to-speech cannot be turned off but it does not have to be used.

Accommodated Text-to-Speech: This accommodation is available only for students with an IEP or 504 plan or who are EL-identified in MARSS. All graphics and tables will have text-to-speech. NOTE: Accommodated text-to-speech must be indicated in Test WES during Pretest Editing and appear in PearsonAccess prior to test administration for each student requiring accommodated text-to-speech. Students must log into a test session that has been set up

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Accessibility Panel Tools Options Description

with an Accommodated form group type.

NOTE: Test Monitors must check that the computer volume is not set to mute before the student signs into TestNav. TestNav does not allow users to change the volume on the computer once testing begins.

Accommodations

Accommodation codes are indicated during Pretest Editing in Test WES to ensure students receive the correct online form (e.g., for accommodated text-to-speech or administration of the script with the Science MCA) and to generate accommodated test materials orders (e.g., scripts, braille test books).

Accommodation codes indicated in Test WES are displayed with a “Yes” in PearsonAccess on the Student Test Details page. To view a student’s Student Test Details page, sign into PearsonAccess. From the Home tab, select Student Eligibility Data under Test Management. Search for the student and then select the hyperlink of the student’s name. Select Assigned Tests and select the hyperlink of the student’s test.

It is important to ensure that the correct accommodation is indicated in Test WES and appears in PearsonAccess on the Student Test Details page for each student prior to test administration. Refer to Chapters 5 and 6 of the Procedures Manual for the Minnesota Assessment for information on available accommodations.

Text-to-Speech

Standard text-to-speech is available for all students in Mathematics and Science MCA tests. However, only students who have accommodated text-to-speech (MC) indicated for them in Test WES will be eligible for this accommodation. Test Monitors must confirm that the student has accommodated text-to-speech indicated on the Student Test Details screen and that the student is provided the test code for an Accommodated form group type test session. If accommodated text-to-speech has not been indicated in Test WES and does not appear in PearsonAccess on the Student Test Details screen, the student will not be allowed into an accommodated form group type test session, even if an Accommodated form group type test session test code is used to log in. The Valid Request column on the Session Details screen in PearsonAccess will display the error message, “No. Accom code does not match Form Group Type.” For a complete list of error messages, see Table 2 on page 25.

Note that students will be able to test in the same testing room if some require accommodated text-to-speech (Accommodated form group type) and some will use the standard text-to-speech (Main form group type), but two test sessions with the two form group types will need to be created and monitored.



Test Monitors will need to provide the test code for the applicable test session (Main or Accommodated) to each student to ensure they are logging in to the correct test session. If the test session’s form group type needs to be changed at the time of testing, the Test Monitor can change it in PearsonAccess prior to students logging in to test. Students affected by the change must be provided with updated test codes.

Script

For the Mathematics MCA, the script accommodation can only be used in conjunction with the paper accommodated test book. The online Mathematics MCA test will not match the script.

For the Science MCA, the script accommodation can be used in conjunction with the online Science MCA or a large print/braille test book and must be administered in a small group or individual setting. Prior to administering the script in conjunction with the online Science MCA, Test Monitors must confirm that the student has the script accommodation indicated on the Student Test Details screen and the student is provided the test code for an Accommodated form group type test session. If the script accommodation has not been indicated in Test WES and does not appear in PearsonAccess on the Student Test Details page, the student’s online test will not match the script, even if an Accommodated form group type test session test code is used to log in. The Valid Request column on the Session Details screen in PearsonAccess will display the error message, “No. Accom code does not match Form Group Type.” For a complete list of error messages, see Table 2 on page 25.

When using the science script in conjunction with the online test, the Test Monitor reads from the script while the student sits at the computer and enters responses directly into the online test.

Test Administration

Test Session Setup

Self-registration test sessions must be created and started prior to students logging into TestNav. Detailed instructions on creating, starting, and monitoring test sessions can be found in the Online Testing Quick Guide.

A self-registration test session can be created and proctor cached starting one week before the testing window opens and throughout the testing window. Test sessions that have been created before the testing window opens cannot be started until the first day of the testing window. Once the testing window opens, test sessions can be started at any point after they are created. Please refer to the Important Dates sheets at the beginning of the manual for testing window dates. The test session will not automatically stop, time out, or expire.

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Self-registration test sessions are recommended for the following reasons:

Self-registration allows students to request access to the test session when they log in to a test. This allows more flexibility because District Assessment Coordinators or Test Monitors do not have to manually add groups of student names into test sessions ahead of time; students request access at the time of testing.

As students log in, Test Monitors will see students who are requesting access into the session, and they can either approve or deny the requests.

The Test Monitor and Student Directions, Online Test Monitor Certification Course, and this manual describe and demonstrate this method for accessing an online test.

Manual test sessions are not recommended because districts must add all student names into the test session prior to testing. Furthermore, they do not allow Test Monitors to approve or deny requests at the time of testing, and they do not allow students to test without previously being added to the test session. However, PearsonAccess does not prevent districts from setting up manual test sessions. Please see Appendix B for more information on manual test sessions. The information in the remainder of this section describes self-registration test sessions.

Administering Tests

The Test Monitor ensures that the computers in the labs are turned on and have no software running other than the browser used for testing.

The Test Monitor checks that the computer volume is not set to mute before the student signs into TestNav. TestNav does not allow users to change the volume on the computer once testing begins.

The Test Monitor presents the Student Directions for MCA.

The Test Monitor logs in to PearsonAccess. From the Home tab, select Online Test Sessions under Test Management. Selects the appropriate test session(s) (Main and/or Accommodated form group type). The Session Details screen will display a test code.

If not already provided with student login information, Test Monitors will need to provide the test code for the applicable test session (Main or Accommodated form group type) to each student to ensure they are logging in to the correct test session.

The Test Monitor starts the session by selecting Start.

The Test Monitor has each student open the browser on the computer and enter the self-registration TestNav URL, http://selfregister.testnav.com. (Test Monitors may complete this step prior to students sitting at the computer to test.)

Students log in to TestNav using their first and last name as they appear on MARSS, their MARSS/SSID number, and the test code for the test session. This information must be entered exactly as is, with no extraneous spaces or characters.

Once students have logged in to the test, select the Students Requesting Session Admission radio button to view the students who are waiting for approval to test.


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To ensure seeing a complete list of students in the test session, the Test Monitor must refresh the screen or toggle between the Students in the Session and the Students Requesting Session Admission options to update the screen as students are logging in to request approval to test. The Test Monitor may also need to toggle between two browser tabs or windows if students in different sessions (for Main and Accommodated forms) are testing in the same room.

Once the Test Monitor has verified that the students are requesting to log into the correct test and form group type, select the checkbox next to the student’s name. (To select all students, select the checkbox in the blue bar at the far left.)

Select Approve Request. If a student should not be approved to test, select Deny.

Select the Students in the Session radio button to go back to the view to monitor the status of students while they are testing.

The scenarios in which PearsonAccess will NOT allow you to approve a student to test are listed below along with the corresponding message you will receive in the Valid Request column.

Table 2: Invalid Requests in PearsonAccess

Message Scenario

“No. Already in a session for this test.”

The student is already in a test session (for the same grade and subject).

“No. Not registered for test.”

The student is not registered (e.g., does not have test eligibility) for the test.

“No. SSID not found.” The MARSS/SSID does not match the student’s information in MARSS and PearsonAccess.

“No. First Name and Last Name and SSID not a valid combination.”

The first and last name and SSID combination does not match what is in MARSS and PearsonAccess.

NOTE: If the names do appear to match, check for extra spaces before or after the names.

“No. Accom code does not match Form Group Type.”

The form group type does not match the accommodations indicated for the student in PearsonAccess.

Once you review the message displayed, you may remove invalid requests by selecting Remove Invalid Requests. To return to the TestNav login screen after resolving an error, students must refresh their browser. NOTE: Some errors may not be able to be resolved on the day of testing so the student will need to log back in once the issue is resolved.

The Test Monitor monitors the test administration.

Students will exit or submit the tests as instructed in the sections below.

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The Test Monitor collects all scratch paper, student login information, or other secure materials they may have been distributed to students and returns these materials to the District or School Assessment Coordinator or securely destroys them as instructed after testing is complete.

Monitoring Testing

Test Monitors must actively monitor the test session by circulating around the room during testing to ensure students are following testing procedures.

Test Monitors may assist individual students by re-reading scripted directions as written or recorded in the Student Directions for MCA presentation or by using the scripted directions provided in the Test Monitor Directions for MCA.

Test Monitors must not clarify or interpret any test item.

Test Monitors are not allowed to indicate to students that there may be a different approach or answer or help them with answers to items in any way.

Students must be familiar with the functionality of the calculator, online tools, and accessibility panel prior to the start of testing. However, Test Monitors may assist a student if needed with the online tools, accessibility panel, or navigation in the test (e.g., moving forward and backward in the test, Review screen) only if it prevents a student from accessing an item, responding to an item, or moving within in a test.

During testing, Test Monitors are able to monitor student progress on the Session Details page in PearsonAccess in real time. If students in different sessions (for Main and Accommodated forms) are testing in the same room, Test Monitors can monitor testing for both test sessions simultaneously in two browser tabs or windows. The Status column displays the current status of the student. Test Monitors can select Refresh to update the Status column to monitor the status and view progress. The table on the following page explains the statuses that may appear in PearsonAccess.

NOTE: To maintain system security, PearsonAccess times out after 15 minutes of test session management inactivity (student tests in TestNav do not time out after any period of inactivity). If you have been timed out, reenter your user ID and password to resume working in PearsonAccess.



Table 3: Student Testing Status Explanations

Status Description

Ready The student has not yet started the test. This status will only display if used with manual registration for data entry.

Active The student has logged in and started the test.

Exited The student exited the test but has not submitted the test.

Submitted The student has finished testing and has submitted the test.

Completed The student’s answers have been submitted and scored.

Marked Complete The test has been marked complete.

Resumed The student has been authorized to resume the test.

Resumed-Upload

The student is ready to log back in to the session and some responses may not have been sent to Pearson servers before exiting. Remaining responses will be sent before the student can resume testing.

NOTE: In rare cases where TestNav cannot locate the student response file, students will be prompted to enter the location of the student response file. See the PearsonAccess User Guide and the TestNav 7.5 Early Warning System User Guide on the User Guides and Technology tab of the Resources page in PearsonAccess. View the User Guides and Technology tab (PearsonAccess > Resources > User Guides and Technology).

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Exiting the Test Session

When administering the test over multiple days, Test Monitors should alert students a few minutes before the end of that day’s test session so that they can complete the section they are working on and review answers.

The Reading MCA is divided into sections by passage and its associated items. Each section begins with a title page, and students will know they have completed all items for the passage when they reach the Review screen for the section. Before exiting, students must complete a section, review the items, and select Next Section to go to the next section. Students must then exit the test on the title page for the next passage.

The grades 3–8 Mathematics MCA is divided into four sections and the grade 11 Mathematics MCA is divided into six sections. Students will know they have completed all items in a section when they reach the Review screen. Before exiting, students must complete a section, review the items, and go to the next section.

For grades 3–8 Mathematics MCA, students will select Next on the Review screen to go to the next section and must exit the test on the first item in the next section.

For grade 11 Mathematics MCA, students will select Next Section on the Review screen to go to the next section and must exit the test on the title page for the next section.

The Science MCA is divided into two sections containing multiple scenarios and each scenario begins with a title page. Students may take one or both sections in a testing session. When testing over multiple days, students must end testing after completing a section. Students will know they have completed all items and scenarios for the first section when they reach the Review screen. Before exiting, students must complete the first section, review the items, and select Next Section to go to the second section. Students must exit the test on the title page of the first scenario in the second section.

Resuming Testing

When testing over multiple days, the same test code and test session will be used when students log back in – a new test session is not created each time students will test. The Test Monitor must resume the test in PearsonAccess for the students who will continue testing and students will log back in using the same student login information and test code. Students will not need to be approved again. When the student logs back in, the test will resume from the last page viewed before exiting. NOTE: You can only resume tests that are in an “Exited” status.

If you are not already in the Session Details screen, select Online Test Sessions under Test Management, and select the name of the test session.

Select the checkbox next to the student’s name. To resume all students, select the checkbox in the blue bar at the far left.

Select Resume Test.

The st